Colourful and creative Basingstoke Festival returns for 2026

Basingstoke Festival 19th June - 5th July

Three Weekends, credit Paul Blakemore

What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.

Hampshire Events

2026 is packed full with exciting moments to share, and events to enjoy. This summer the Utilita Bowl near Southampton will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13th –20th June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do - one of the highlights is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront, perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore - on from the 13th July - 13th September (F). 

For three weekends in June, the streets of Basingstoke town centre will be filled with street theatre, acrobatics, and world-class preformances with the Basingstoke Festival, which celebrates its 15th anniversary - free to visit (F). Whilst in Alton Hampshire head along to the Jane Austen Regency week which runs from 19th - 28th June and includes the chance to  join Jane Austen's family at Chawton House for a Regency picnic. Look to the skies in July, as the Farnborough International Airshow returns with its public open day on the 24th July 26, offering the chance to see aircraft and flying displays, augmented reality and hands-on activities and exhibits, whilst Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.

From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today and make sure you don't miss some of Hampshire top events within your plans.

Spa Day at Hilton Southampton Utilita Bowl

What's on in the Hampshire in May, June and July?

Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the up-coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year.

What's on in Hampshire today?

To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break. 

Staying overnight?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation

Hampshire events near me

The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island. 

What's on in Hampshire

Number of results:

Number of results: 168

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Houghton Lodge House Tours

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Stockbridge

    Enjoy a guided house tour of one the finest and earliest surviving example of a Cottage Ornée – Houghton Lodge - a genre of ‘picturesque’ Gothic architecture that flourished for about 25 years from 1790.

    Venue

    Houghton Lodge Gardens, Test Valley

    Dates

    From:
    25 June 2026
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    28 June 2026
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    26 July 2026
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    2 Aug 2026
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    9 Aug 2026
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    10 Aug 2026to13 Aug 2026
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    31 Aug 2026
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    6 Sept 2026
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    20 Sept 2026
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    4 Oct 2026
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    11 Oct 2026
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    18 Oct 2026
  2. Strings Presents: Scouting For Girls

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Newport

    Strings Bar & Venue present Scouting for Girls, The Lilacs, The Covasettes, Goodbye Stereo & Ruby in the intimate setting of Robin Hill Woodlands.

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 15:00 - 23:00
  3. Steam to the Solent cruise & Merchant Navy Day Service

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Ventura and Queen Mary 2 in berth, and on your return see a number of the ships depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 15:30 - 19:00
  4. The Paint Club painting party at Maritimo Lounge

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Admirals Quay, Ocean Way,, Southampton

    About the Event
    Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.

    Each artist…

    Dates

    From:
    7 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    4 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  5. Fireworks Display

    Type

    Type:

    Fireworks

    Portsmouth

    The Portsmouth Fireworks Display returns for 2026, with a spectacular event planned for Southsea Common.

    Dates

    From:
    3 Nov 2026Open 16:00 - 20:00
  6. Beer & Steam at Isle of Wight Steam Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    HAVENSTREET

    Head to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's Autumn beer festival for a celebration of beer and steam.

    Choose from a huge selection of real ales, there are even a few ciders for those with a sweeter tooth.

    You’ll have the opportunity to try…

    Dates

    From:
    10 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026
  7. Ibiza Orchestra Experience

    Type

    Type:

    Concert

    Newport

    The Ibiza Orchestra Experience: The Final Encore This incredible 26 piece orchestra will be performing some of the greatest hits from the famous white isle, for the very last time!

    Expect an unforgettable night featuring:

    26 piece…

    Dates

    From:
    3 July 2026Open 18:00 - 23:00
  8. Ventnor Fringe

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Ventnor

    Ventnor Fringe is a unique celebration of the arts, showcasing emerging and established talent across every creative discipline.

    Dates

    From:
    17 July 2026to26 July 2026
  9. Ventnor Illuminated Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ventnor

    Ventnor Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in with the carnival fun of Ventnor's Illuminated procession!

    Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026
  10. Sandown Illuminated Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Sandown

    Sandown Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in the fun and spectacle of Sandown's Illuminated Carnival!

    Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    26 Aug 2026
  11. Isle of Wight Walking Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Islandwide

    Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, sponsored by Outdooractive, will return in Spring and Autumn 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026
  12. A Royal Hunt: History Re-Enactment Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of The History Re-enactment Weekend on Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 July 2026.

    Join us for an immersive family-friendly weekend where history comes alive with The Marquess of Winchester's Regiment. Step back in…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  13. Artist in Residence Anniversary Exhibition

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Thursday December 3

    Doors open at 6:30pm | Official opening at 7:00pm

    Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for an evening of drinks and canapes to celebrate the anniversary of the Trust's partnership with official Artist in Residence, Alex McGarry!
    The…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Dec 2026Open 18:30 -
  14. Winchfield Music Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Winchfield, Hook

    Nine days of incredible music, unforgettable performances and pure festive magic. Live tribute acts including: Le Freak (Chic Featuring Nile Rodgers – Funk, Soul & Disco Tribute), Rule The World (The #1 Take That Tribute band, The Night of the…

    Dates

    From:
    19 June 2026to28 June 2026Open 17:30 - 22:30
  15. An Evening with Jake Ward

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Friday October 2

    6:30pm

    Musical talent meets delicious fine dining at this exciting event, where the Hawk Conservancy Trust's Head Chef will be serving up a delectable three-course meal accompanied by live music from Jake Ward! The Hampshire-based…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Oct 2026Open 18:30 -
  16. Wickham Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Fareham

    Wickham Festival is a 4-day music & arts festival held every August in a stunningly beautiful rural location near the historic village of Wickham in Hampshire.

    Dates

    From:
    30 July 2026to2 Aug 2026
  17. Dadventure at Go Ape Moors Valley

    Type

    Type:

    Father's Day

    Ashley Heath, Ringwood

    Skip the socks. Send him up a tree!
    Looking for things to do this Father's Day in Dorset? Head to Go Ape Moors Valley for Dadventure – Dad's go free*
    Take someone special to conquer the Treetop Challenge high ropes course where you'll experience…

    Venue

    Go Ape Moors Valley, Dorset

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  18. Sam Garrett at Portsmouth Cathedral

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Old Portsmouth

    Join Sam Garrett for a rare and intimate evening of live music inside the beautiful surroundings of Portsmouth Cathedral.

    Sam Garrett is an English singer-songwriter whose music reflects his journey through Eastern philosophy, meditation, yoga and…

    Dates

    From:
    3 July 2026Open 19:30 - 22:30
  19. Painting party with The Paint Club at Chilworth Manor

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Southampton

    About the Event
    Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.

    Each artist…

    Dates

    From:
    17 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    15 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    19 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  20. Heritage Open Day Docks Cruise

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Shieldhall Southampton Docks Cruise to mark Heritage Open Days, at a very special price of £19.55 per adult ticket, reflecting the date of launch of Steamship Shieldhall! Pass the four cruise ships Arvia, Borealis, Mein Schiff 2 and Norwegian Star…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026Open 16:00 - 18:00